Lee M. Flannery

Lee M. Flannery, 26, of Effort, passed away May 19, 2013. Lee was born in Livingston, N.J., on March 21, 1987, and was the son of Michael Flannery and Sandra (Prekaza) Flannery of Effort.

He was a self-employed building contractor.

He was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Gilbert.

In addition to his parents, Michael and Sandra, he is survived by a brother, Kristopher Flannery of Anchorage, Alaska; a sister, Jillian Flannery of Effort; his paternal grandmother, Loretta Flannery of West Palm Beach, Fla.; his maternal grandmother, Joan Prekaza of Toms River, N.J.; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Lee was preceded in death by two sisters, Shannon and Meredith Flannery; and two grandfathers, Alexander Prekaza and John J. Flannery.

Lee was a good son, and brother to Kris and Jillian. He adored his sister, Jillian, who has Mowat-Wilson syndrome, and she will miss him terribly. Lee was loved and liked by everyone. He was generous and always willing to help his family and friends, sacrificing his own needs for them. He never said no to anyone. He was the life of the party, and the West End community will surely miss him.

Family was everything to Lee. And "Little Lee," "Leonard," "Leeford," "Bud" loved nothing more than hanging with his cousins and friends. He loved the New Jersey shore, the beach, bonfires and camping. He loved to cook for others and worked at New York Pizza Girl for years. He was most proud of his own company, In the Budget Contracting, which he had run for a few years. He worked for many local contractors in the area and was a skilled tile man. There wasn't anyone who didn't like him when they met him.

Lee died after a long battle with drug and alcohol addictions. He suffered from his addictions, which were too powerful for him to beat. He didn't want to admit it. He wouldn't want to see any of his friends follow his path. Let's not let his death be forgotten and make something good come out of it. He would have wanted that. He burnt the candle at both ends and now there is no light left to shine.

Family and friends are welcome to offer their condolences from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 24, at Donald N. Gower Funeral Home, Route 209, Gilbert. An additional viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 25, at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Gilbert, with his uncle, the Rev. Patrick Flannery, as concelebrant.

Lee will be interred at Gilbert Cemetery in Gilbert.

Lee always worried about taking care of his sister Jillian, so in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sandie Flannery in trust for Jillian Flannery. A trust fund has been set up for her at ESSA Bank and Trust.